French hospitals 'better prepared': 'Important lessons learned from deadly 2003 heatwave'

According to France 24, French hospitals are applying lessons from the deadly two thousand three heatwave to strengthen their emergency preparedness. Epidemiologist Dr. Antoine Flahault argues that while healthcare systems have improved clinical practices and planning since then, the real challenge is institutional—the widespread lack of air conditioning. Hospitals, care homes, schools, and the homes of vulnerable people were designed for a cooler era, he notes. As heatwaves intensify, Flahault says structural investment in cooling infrastructure isn't a luxury but essential protection for those most at risk.

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